It’s striking to consider that West Germany only removed its discriminatory "paragraph 175" law—which penalized homosexual men with criminal charges—as recently as 1994. Franz Rogowski portrays “Hoffman,” a man repeatedly arrested and incarcerated for violating this legislation. The film recounts the somber and disheartening story of his life within prison walls: his relationships formed there, particularly with "Oskar" (Thomas Prenn) and "Leo" (Anton von Lucke); the evolving bond he shares with the initially antagonistic straight inmate "Viktor" (Georg Friedrich); and the harshness of the prison environment that diminished his existence to something akin to that of animals living on the streets. Rogowski, who evokes a slight resemblance to Joaquin Phoenix, delivers a strong performance as the narrative unfolds; his character experiences a wide range of feelings—love, hopelessness, irritation, and occasionally happiness—and even contemplates escape. When he is eventually released, the character has become so accustomed to prison life that freedom holds far less appeal than he once imagined. This isn't an effortless film to view, especially given that American soldiers were present as guards during much of his imprisonment. The movie progresses at a deliberate pace, and the timeline shifts periodically, requiring close attention, but it’s rewarding for anyone with even a passing interest in the suffering endured by someone imprisoned simply for their sexual orientation.

Source on TMDB